Results tagged ‘ rios ’
Good-bye 2009!
To be brief. The 2009 Blue Jay campaign was a disaster.
Here is what happened in point form
- Jays fly out of the gates only to have a 9 game losing streak in May
- Plenty of pitchers land on the DL
- A few days before the all-star game, GM J.P. Riccardi blurts out that he is listening to offers for Roy Halladay
- Roy Halladay’s All-Star game start is over shadowed by rumours
- Trade deadline comes and goes. Only Scott Rolen is traded
- Rios claimed off waivers. Jays get nothing in return
- B.J. Ryan released
- Players have a revolt against skipper Cito Gaston
And finally, the best part of the season…….
Riccardi gets fired.
Now he can live in Boston all year round!
This will probably be the last blog of 2009 unless something big happens at the GM meetings in November.
Again, thanks for reading and bye for now.
Rios a Jay no more.
Today, the Chicago White Sox were awarded their waiver claim on Alex Rios. Toronto gets nothing in return as it was a straight claim. The White Sox are now on the hook for the remaining $60 million + owed to Rios through 2014. This benefits the Jays by relieving them of this contract and perhaps giving them some money to spend on other players. I personally think that Rios would be worth something, even a low prospect. He is still young enough to break out of this two year funk and become the player we all hoped he would be. I personally think that is a stretch & it’s probably better that they parted ways. But what does this say to Roy Halladay & the fans? I thought J.P. was planning on competing next season. How? By giving up a regular player (albeit an underachieving one) for nothing? I’m sure Doc really wants to sign an extension now.
Now, if they could only find a suitor for Vernon Wells & his hefty contract.
Thanks for reading and bye for now.
Doc’s last ‘house’ call?
Tomorrow night (Friday, July 23, 2009) could be Doc Halladay’s last home start as a Toronto Blue Jay. I know by now that some people are probably fed up with all the Halladay trade talk. I for one, am not. It is exciting to see the Blue Jays in the spotlight of Major League Baseball. However, I’d rather see them in it for something else other than the potential trading of Doc. I also find it intriguing that so many people refuse to acknowledge the fact that “yes, perhaps Roy will leave via free agency after 2010″. Today in an interview on the FAN 590, J.P. Riccardi said (not an exact quote) that Halladay has all the intentions to test the free agency market after next season. That’s the reason why Doc is being shopped around. This is where I tend to agree with Riccardi. See if it you get any bites and maybe you do trade him. Perhaps they will be better in the near future without him. I sincerely doubt it as Doc Halladay is the best pitcher the Jays have ever had. There could be some arguments regarding Dave Stieb, but I pick Halladay.
In other Jays news, Venom Wells continues to struggle (With the exception of the home run last night). Today, slumping Kevin Millar batted fourth while Wells batted fifth. How the mighty have fallen. Here you have a cast off who was a non-roster spring training invitee batting in front of the $18 million choke. Unbelievable. At least Alex Rios has picked up as of late. He has four stolen bases and two home runs in his last five games!
I myself will be attending Friday’s game and will be giving Roy Halladay a standing ovation at the end of the game (which he will probably complete). If you’re in the Toronto area, I encourage you to attend the game as you might not see a pitcher like Halladay in a Blue Jays uniform for a long, long time. Or perhaps you will ….if Doc stays.
Thanks for reading and bye for now.
A landslide of injuries does not faze the Jays
As if we haven’t seen this before, the Jays currently have seven pitchers on the disabled list. Six of them are starters and one being their closer.
In case you missed it this week, Scotty Downs sprained his left toe running out of the batters box! Perhaps the American League should just stick to the DH rule. Also, the best pitcher in baseball (Doc Halladay) went down with a mild groin pull. He is probable to come off the DL in the minimum fifteen days. Can the Jays hold up while there ace is out? So far, yes. Toronto went into Philly and swept the World Series Champions. Last night they lost a close game, 2-1 in 11 innings against the lowly Washington Nationals. Mind you the Jays hitters had several opportunities to break the game wide open. The Jays were 1-7 with runners in scoring position and left 13 on base. Thankfully, the Nationals left 16.
If the hitters can hold up there end, like they did against the Phillies, the Jays should be able to weather the storm. But how long can Toronto go before they succumb to all these injuries? Four of there top starters are currently on the DL. Jesse Litsch is done for the season and hopefully the M & M’s (Marcum & McGowan) can make speedy recoveries. If not, are the cavalry of rookies ready to hold up to a long, grueling MLB season? Having said that, the young guns do seem to be pitching alright. Ricky Romero has been remarkable and Brian Tallett (with the exception of a couple bad games) has been better than average. Rookie Brad Mills was hit pretty hard in his major league debut this past Thursday. However, he is only 24 years old. Brett Cecil has been recalled & will be pitching today (Saturday). Let’s hope he fairs better than his last start where the Bosox hit him very hard. Perhaps Cito might pull him before that happens again. I just hope the young man can leave that game behind and pitch deep into the game tonight. I say that because the bullpen has been spent recently. Ryan, League & Frasor have pitched 3 out of the last four days. Accardo has pitched two straight (with one being a two inning effort) games since being recalled.
As mentioned above, closer Scott Downs is on the DL. Who is to take his place? Not B.J. Ryan, as he is struggling against righties. Gaston seems to be using him as a specialty pitcher. Is it Jeremy Accardo? Perhaps, but he was brought into last night’s game in the 8th inning. With the scored tied. Is it Jason Frasor? That is the logical pick but he came into Thursday’s game with the scored tied in the eighth too. Maybe Cito is doing it by committee.
Raging on Rios
Can anyone tell me what the heck is going on with Alex!?!? In the past couple of weeks he has:
· Told off a fan in front of a kid
· Over slid 2nd base & was tagged out
· Did not tag up on two occasions.
· First one was at a crucial time with the Jays down by a run in the eighth. For some reason he chose not to tag up on a high fly ball to left centre. Even if it wasn’t caught he would’ve scored easily.
· Second time was when he was on first with one out. Overbay hits a fly ball to center field for an out. Rios lazily jogs to 2nd base without tagging up.
If I was Cito Gaston I would’ve benched him for at least one game. I don’t understand what has happened to him. For a guy with all this hype and potential, he seems to be just an average player. Perhaps he is just that and the time is now to trade him before everyone else figures him out. Or have they already?
In short, hopefully the starting rookies can pull through and the Jays take 2 out of 3 against the league low Washington Nationals.
Thanks for reading and bye for now.
Let’s make it Nine!
Just over 32,000 fans witnessed something that hasn’t happened since May 18th. A win. The Jays scored 5 runs in the fifth inning on their way to beating the Red Sox 6-3.
Casey Janssen threw seven strong innings and the bullpen did not let us down. Speaking of down, Scotty Downs got his 6th save of the season. Whipping boy ‘China Doll’ Wells went 1 for 3 with 2 runs scored and a stolen base. The stolen base was his team leading 9th. Speaking of SB’S, where is Alex Rios? And why does he only have three stolen bases? I’m not sure of the answer.
Now back to last night’s game. Rod Barajas drove in two and later scored from first base on a Marco Scutaro double. Barajas would’ve had a double of his own if it were not for the great play by Boston‘s Jason Bay. Every Jay had a hit except for Millar.
Perhaps this win will turn things around and they could go on a nine game winning streak! Actually, let’s just hope they win Saturday afternoon. Baby Steps.
Thanks for reading and bye for now.
Blue Jays 2009 Preview III
OUTFIELD
This off season saw many rumours swirling around the Rogers Centre. One was the trading of the ‘Franchise’, Vernon Wells. An interesting rumour too be sure. Here is a guy who some people think is underachieving considering the contract he has. This may be somewhat true, but he did hit .300 and launch 20 home runs. All this and playing in just 108 games due to a series of injuries. The first injury being his wrist, which came from a spectaculoar diving catch. I know some people faulted him for that diving catch, but I thought it was courageous and that is why he a gold glover. Right Field belongs to Alex Rios who had a bit of a step back last season. He did hit .291 and stole 32 bases. Alex did however slump down in his power numbers. Just look at his On-Base Pct. (.337). The Jays need him to get on base more. Below are his 2008 statistics.
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G |
AB |
R |
H |
2B |
3B |
HR |
RBI |
TB |
BB |
SO |
SB |
CS |
OBP |
SLG |
AVG |
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2008 |
155 |
635 |
91 |
185 |
47 |
8 |
15 |
79 |
293 |
44 |
112 |
32 |
8 |
.337 |
.461 |
.291 |
Look for Alex to improve in all offensive categories this season. Especially since Cito Gaston is his manager. Left field will be top prospect Travis Snider’s position to lose. He will have some competition from Buck Coats & Adam Lind. Lind figures to be the everyday DH. So barring any late free agents signings, it looks to be Sniders. I have a feeling that he is going to have a hell of a year. Heck, the kid is twenty and has pure raw power with an uncanny balance in his stance.
BENCH/DESIGNATED HITTER
As mentioned in the above paragraph, Adam Lind figures to be the everyday Designated Hitter. Gaston will probably have Jose Bautista starting against difficult lefties. Some notables vying for a roster spot will be:
Utility Player Joe Inglett (bats left)
Infielder John McDonald (R)
Infielder Jose Bautista (R)
Outfielders Jason Lane (R) & former Baltimore Oriole pitcher Adam Loewen (L)
Infielder Angel Sanchez (R)
Infielder Kevin Millar (R)
Stay tuned as the next chapter will be the Jays typically strong suit, pitching. Will it be this year? Find out in my next blog.
Thanks for reading and bye for now.
Jays versus Rays as the deadline looms……
Tonight the Blue Jays square off against the Tampa Bay Rays at the Rogers Centre. It is the first of a three game series. Wednesday’s game will be an afternoon tilt. Let’s hope the boys can keep the momentum going after winning five of the last six as this series will definitely decide their fate. If they get swept, than the Jays should start looking towards next year.
On a happier note, Alex Rios has been playing a lot better lately. Especially on Saturday when he hit two home runs and had three RBI’s. The Jays are now above .500 (53-52) and are 7.5 games behind the Wild Card. That doesn’t seem all that bad, except that there are six teams ahead of them for the wild card. So unfortunately, I think they are finished. If healthy, I could see them making a run for it. But, they have injuries. Some of the players missing are Vernon Wells, Aaron Hill, Dustin McGowan, Casey Janssen, and Jeremy Accardo. Also, Scott Rolen, B.J. Ryan and Shaun Marcum have all spent time on the DL. Well, it just makes even a tougher hill to climb.
So the question to ask yourself is this: Should the Jays start trading some of their players? Riccardi says “no” as he likes this team and does not want to dismantle it. But how good is it, really? Will they be better next year (if healthy) with the same roster as this year? I don’t think so. Who’s to say that Vernon Wells becomes the same player as a few years ago? Maybe the constant injuries that he has endured over the past couple of seasons have worn him down. Maybe Vernon will never be a number four hitter, which the Jays are badly lacking. How about Alex Rios? Is this year a fluke, or will he remain inconsistent and be forever an underachiever? Plus, Burnett is more than likely leaving after this season and who knows if Dustin McGowan will be the same pitcher when he comes back from rotator cuff surgery.
I say trade them now (not Wells or Rios). One name that I heard mentioned was B.J. Ryan. That is an interesting name, as many teams could really use a ‘sure thing’ like Ryan. I personally think that it would be a bad idea. If the Jays want to compete next year, they will need a perennial closer. And that closer is B.J. Ryan. I personally think they should trade Matty Stairs, David Eckstein and perhaps Brian Tallett. Heck, even Greg Zaun. Plenty of teams would like him on their bench. Another name could be Scott Rolen.
Now I know this sounds a little negative and I hope that the Jays do play better this year. I also know that Toronto is not as bad as myself and others are implying. They are just above .500 and there are a few teams that would love to be at this position. I just feel that Riccardi can only build a .500 club and he just can’t seem to make the next step. J.P. keeps saying it’s because of the injuries and the payroll. Now when the Red Sox and Yanks get injuries, they just trade or sign a player. Unfortunately, the Jays cannot, and they need to rely on prospects. So why not trade some veterans for some young guys? Riccardi needs to realize that we will never have the same payroll as them and we need to win the old fashion way.
Heart and determination.
Thanks for reading and bye for now.
Reasons why the Jays won’t make the playoffs
Here are some random reasons as to why the Blue Jays will not make the playoffs this year:
· David Eckstein is the DH against lefties
· Vernon Wells is on the DL (again)
· Your Number Three hitter (Alex Rios) has only 8 HR’s and 47 RBI’s
· Matt Stairs and Lyle Overbay are your clean up hitters
· A guy named ‘Joe Inglett’ is one of your top players
· You have two rookies and one ‘has been’ in your starting rotation
· They can’t hit with runners in scoring position
· The Jays are 16-22 in one run games
· Only three walk off wins this season
· Red Sox and Yankees are in their division
So enjoy the trade deadline this week and who knows, maybe they’ll prove me wrong.
Thanks for reading and bye for now.
(Chee)Rios
Hooray for the Blue Jays and hooray for Alex Rios. The Jays downed the first place Tampa Bay Rays 9-4 today. Alex Rios went 3 for 5 with a two run Home Run and two doubles. He also had a stolen base.
Here is his line:
AB R H HR RBI D T SB AVG
5 2 3 1 3 2 0 1 .285
It was nice to see them take one from the Rays as they played poorly in the first two games. Heck, even the always excellent and consistent Roy Halladay had an off night.
Today’s game was a see-saw battle with both pitchers struggling with control. Toronto’s starter John Parrish only lasted three innings, giving up four runs. We finally took the lead for good in the fifth when Marco Scutaro hit a three run home run to deep left field. It took a total of seven pitchers, but we won.
Here is the Jays statistics for the day:
| Toronto | AB | R | H | RBI | BB | SO | LOB | AVG |
| Inglett, RF | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | .299 |
| Scutaro, 2B | 4 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | .260 |
| Rios, CF | 5 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .285 |
| Stairs, DH | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | .247 |
| a-Mench, PH-DH | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | .224 |
| Overbay, 1B | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | .273 |
| Rolen, 3B | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | .268 |
| Lind, LF | 4 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | .273 |
| Wilkerson, LF | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .225 |
| Zaun, C | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 | .238 |
| McDonald, SS | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | .190 |
| Totals | 34 | 9 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 3 | 17 | |
| a-Intentionally walked for Stairs in the 7th. | ||||||||
| BATTING 2B: Rios 2 (26, Jackson, Hammel), Rolen (21, Hammel). HR: Rios (5, 3rd inning off Jackson, 1 on, 2 out), Scutaro (4, 5th inning off Jackson, 2 on, 1 out). TB: Inglett 2; Scutaro 4; Rios 8; Overbay; Rolen 3; Lind; McDonald. RBI: Lind 2 (19), Rios 3 (42), Scutaro 3 (36), Rolen (29). 2-out RBI: Rios 2. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Overbay; Inglett 2; McDonald 2; Zaun. S: McDonald. SF: Lind. GIDP: Scutaro; Zaun. Team LOB: 8. BASERUNNING FIELDING |
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Today Alex Rios displayed the pop and presence that I have been looking for all season. Is it a fluke? Or is the real Rios finally here. If the Jays want to do anything in the second half, there number three hitter (Rios) needs to hit with more power.
From around the league, my other favourite team, the St. Louis Cardinals have now won five in a row. Today they defeated San Diego, 9-5 on a Walk Off Grand Slam Home Run from little Aaron Miles. This after, former Jay, Troy Glaus took the lead in the eighth with a three run home run. The struggling Jason Isringhausen came in to get the save, only to blow it. It’s his fifth straight blown save. This guy has lost his confidence and I don’t know if will get it back this season. Brad Thompson came in to finish the inning. Aaron Miles than hit the grand slam in the bottom of the ninth. I wish our Jays could do more of that.
Thanks for reading and bye for now.
Rockin’ Rios
Last night the Toronto Blue Jays did something that they have not did all season, win with a walk off hit. It also was a come from behind victory. The Jays were losing 6-2 going into the bottom of the seventh when for whatever reason; they actually had a hit with the bases loaded. And what a hit it was. Alex Rios hit a 3 run Triple to make the score 6-5. Vernon Wells than knocked in Rios to tie it. It remained tied until the bottom of the ninth when Alex Rios stole second base and advanced to third on the throwing error. Than Scotty Rolen hit a line drive to Baltimore’s shortstop Bynum, that he actually let go through his legs for the game winning run. It was our first walk off of the season! Perhaps this could be the turning point of the season. That is a big perhaps. Toronto won this game on heart, determination and of course, some luck. Which they have not had much of this season.
Here is the boxscore.
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On another note, Dustin McGowan left after four with a sore shoulder and may miss his start on Sunday. Red Hot David Purcey will be the probable recall to take his place.
Doc Halladay pitches tonight and let’s hope we can keep the momentum going.
Thanks for reading and bye for now.
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